The debate on the demand for grants for government departments in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly here on Wednesday turned into a platform for Ministers to throw their weight behind Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
In their replies during the course of the debate, Environment Minister K.C. Karuppannan and Forests Minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan were generous in their praise of the Chief Minister.
Besides his eulogy to former chief minister Jayalalithaa, Mr. Karuppannan took sufficient time to list the achievements of the government headed by Mr. Palaniswami and also made it a point to underscore the CM’s completion of 100 days in office.
“The people of the State want the government under Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami to continue for the next four years,” Mr. Karuppannan proclaimed.
‘Rocket speed’
In his reply, Mr. Srinivasan said that Mr. Palaniswami had “taken the responsibility to lead the family” and commended the latter’s leadership qualities.
Describing Mr. Palaniswami as one who had the blessings of Jayalalithaa, he said that during his first 100 days in office, Mr. Palaniswami cleared several files and was showing “rocket-like speed” in discharging his duties.
“Our Chief Minister should not only complete the remaining four years of his term, but remain for 100 more years,” Mr. Srinivasan said, turning to the Chief Minister seated beside him.
Extempore speech
Earlier in the debate, the Chair called AIADMK MLA M. Rengasamy (Thanjavur) to speak, although his name did not figure in the list of speakers for the day. In his extempore speech, Mr. Rengasamy also heaped praise on the Chief Minister. “There is no need to fear anyone. This government will not bow to anyone. The actions of the enemies should be responded to appropriately,” Mr. Rengasamy said.
AIADMK MLAs Thangatamilselvan, P. Vetrivel and V. Senthil Balaji were among those who were not present during these speeches.